As we move into conference play and much busier slates, I wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that while I will provide as many intriguing matchups as I possibly can every day in the viewing guide, my summary of the previous day will only include the at-large impactful games. This is to help keep the article as concise as possible while delivering everything you need to know!

Friday’s Recap:

Game of the night belongs to Nebraska and Michigan State, who played a 58-56 rock fight highlighted by Rienk Mask’s first half performance and a clutch 3 at the end of the game! Nebraska moves to a 2 seed for me, while MSU remains a 3.

Gonzaga and Seattle required an extra 5 minutes to settle things, with the Bulldogs pulling away in OT. Gonzaga remains a 3/4 seed.

Upset of the night belongs to Stanford, who took down the Louisville Cardinals! This is a significant result for Duke, who now is clearly in the drivers seat for the ACC regular season. For Stanford, their resume is perplexing and not tournament worthy yet. Louisville is on the 5 line right now.

Iowa State handles West Virginia at home, winning by 21. ISU = 1 seed.

Michigan beats USC by THIRTY, and after scoring just 9 points to open the game, Michigan put up 40 in 13 minutes. Michigan continues to look like the best team in the country and it’s not particularly close. USC continues to be a single digit seed.

Oregon comes into College Park and beats Maryland by 10! Simpkins and Bittle led the ducks with 16 each. Oregon continues to be outside looking in, but this was a very important game if they want any hopes of making it.

Ohio State goes into the RAC and wins by 7, despite trailing by 4 at the half. Ohio State is suddenly making a pretty solid push for a tournament spot, and they now have a pivotal matchup against 14-0 Nebraska on Monday night in Columbus! I’ll be on site for that one.

California beats Notre Dame in an ending marred with controversy. Shrewsberry went after a ref and now will likely get a suspension. For Cal? They’re 13-2 and continue to quietly be building a tournament worthy resume, but tougher tests are ahead.

Saturday’s Slate:

No more power ranking games, all of these games deserve your attention!

I will be on-site to see the Miami (OH) Redhawks try to move to 15-0. Akron is favored by 2.5 currently, and this game will feature a ton of points. Tip off is slated for 3:30 on ESPN+!

Virginia @ NC State | 11:00, ESPN2

Early action coming at you from Raleigh, and this is a pivotal matchup for both teams. This likely ends up being Q1 for either team. NC State is currently favored by 4.5.

Kentucky @ Alabama | 12:00, ESPN

Yet another high level matchup today; these two open SEC play in what figures to be a game with a ton of fireworks (o/u set at 175.5). Both teams have injury concerns, and both come in wanting to make a statement to start the year!

Villanova @ Butler | Noon, TNT

BUBBLE BATTLE! This is the quinissental bubble game that will resonate throughout the year. Butler is favored by 1.5, but this should be close. Winner gets a huge win over another bubble team!

Providence @ St. John’s | Noon, FOX

Can SJU get to 3-0 and keep pace with UConn in the Big East? Providence will put up a solid fight, but the Johnnies should win this one.

Virginia Tech @ Wake Forest | Noon, ACCN

Wake is favored by 5.5 here, however, Virginia Tech is suddenly surging and looking like a tournament team. Winner is likely in for my Monday bracket, while the loser is out.

Clemson @ Pittsburgh | Noon, The CW Network

Clemson needs to find a way to go into Pittsburgh and win this one. Pitt isn’t great this year, but has been pretty competitive and will put up a fight.

Oklahoma State @ Texas Tech | 1:00, ESPN

The Red Raiders are favored by double digits and should cruise to an easy win here. Oklahoma State is 12-1, but it is a very empty record. This would be a monumental win for Lutz and co.

Auburn @ Georgia | 1:00, SECN

Auburn has improved steadily throughout the year, however, Georgia has been steadily good, with just the 1 loss to-date. However, SEC play is a different animal. UGA is favored by 5.5 at home in a game that will feature a lot of points. Key opportunity for both teams to strengthen their tournament resumes.

American U @ Boston U | 1:00, ESPN+

Really intriguing Patriot league battle taking place in Boston if you prefer to follow some mid-major ball!

BYU @ Kansas State | 1:30, CBS

Is Kansas State actually good? If so, they have an opportunity to prove it a bit today. However, BYU is on a different level that what I’ve seen from the Wildcats to start this season. BYU favored by 7.5 right now.

Houston @ Cincinnati | 2:00, FOX

Jizzle James is back, and Cincinnati looks better. That being said, Houston is humming, out to a 12-1 record and looking to beat the Bearcats today. For UC, this is a great opportunity to climb back into the bubble picture. For Houston, this would solidify them as a 2.

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina | 2:00, ESPNU

Vandy should win big here.

Kansas @ UCF | 2:00, Peacock/NBCSN

Peterson (might) return! Kansas is favored by just 4.5, and UCF is competitive. This should be a good one!

Xavier @ DePaul | 2:00, FS1

How does Xavier respond after getting blitzed on NYE vs. UConn? Depaul is 0-3 to start BE play, but played Nova tough in Philly this week. Also – ELITE uniform matchup here today!

Baylor @ TCU | 2:00, TNT

Will we see Nnaji? Are either of these teams tournament level? I’m not sure on either question. I will, however, say that this promises to be a good matchup, and one that is pivotal in the middle of the Big 12 race.

Bowling Green @ UMass | Ohio @ Eastern Michigan | 2:00, ESPN+

Two really fun MACTION games tipping at 2:00 today, both will be close & are worth following!

UNC @ SMU | 2:15, The CW Network

SMU has a chance to really cement themselves as a serious tournament team today by beating UNC. However, UNC and Caleb Wilson look to be elite and this won’t be an easy win for either team. UNC favored by 1.5.

Tennessee @ Arkansas | 3:00, ESPN2

My Game of The day. Arkansas is favored by 2.5. Someone is leaving Bud Walton with a Q1 win. Monumental opening to SEC play for both teams!

Georgia Southern @ Old Dominion | 3:30, ESPN+

Can GA Southern get to 4-0 in the crowded Sun Belt? ODU favored by 1.5

Ole Miss @ Oklahoma | 3:30, SECN

Ole Miss is well outside the bracket for now, but OU is right on the bubble. If The Rebs want any chance at making it, this would be an extremely good time to start winning. For OU, this would help separate them from the lower tier of the SEC.

Duke @ Florida State | 3:45, CBS

How does Duke rebound after Georgia Tech took them to the limit this week? Blue Devils favored by 14.5

Arizona @ Utah | 4:00, Peacock/NBCSN

Arizona should dominate here.

UC Santa Barbar @ Cal State Northridge | 4:00, ESPN+

This is a really intriguing matchup in the Big West. UCSB would climb to 3-1 with a win and stay within striking distance of Hawaii.

LSU @ Texas A&M | 4:00, ESPNU

While this isn’t an elimination game, the loser of this one will struggle to make the dance this year. A&M is now injured and playing poorly. LSU is 12-1, but it’s an empty record. This is a massive opportunity for a Q1 win for the Tigers.

Tennessee State @ Little Rock | 4:00, ESPN+

Yet another really intriguing matchup in the OVC, this time with Tennessee State leaving TN. Who gets to 3-1 in the conference? LR favored by 1.5.

Morehead State @ SIU Edwardsville | 4:30, ESPN+

Continuing the trend of key OVC matchups, this one will also see the winner leave with a 3-1 conference record! SIUE favored by 5.5.

Colorado @ Arizona State | 5:00, ESPN2

Continuing the trend of massive bubble matchups today, both teams really need this one. Arizona State is favored by 2.5. ASU is currently in my bracket, while Colorado is out. Today could go a long way to flipping those teams.

Cal Baptist @ Tarleton State | 5:00, ESPN+

CBU has played a tough start to WAC play and is now 0-2. Can they get their first win against a solid Tarleton squad?!

UCLA @ Iowa | 6:00, Peacock

Another tournament level matchup here, and another opportunity to hear Mick upset about travel! Right now, Iowa is the better team, but UCLA is dangerous! Pivotal matchup in Iowa City!

Northern Colorado @ Montana | 6:00, ESPN+

Key matchup in the Big Sky, and the winner will leave feeling pretty good about their chances in the regular season!

Mississippi State @ Texas | 6:00, SECN

Texas is favored by 9.5, but Josh Hubbard can take over games. Can Texas continue to build a tournament resume, or will the Bulldogs pull the upset?

Purdue @ Wisconsin | 8:00, FOX

Wisconsin has been extremely disappointing to start the year. Here’s their first (of many) opportunity to prove they’re a tournament level team. Purdue, on the other hand feels like they’re flying under the radar a bit and this would get them to 13-1.

Wyoming @ New Mexico | 8:00, CBSSN

Huge matchup in the Pit tonight! UNM favored by 7.5, but this will help shape the MWC regular season race!

Colorado State @ Grand Canyon | 8:00, MWCN

Grand Canyon is favored by 6, but CO State isn’t a pushover. This is a really fun matchup that will likely be a cockfight.

Florida @ Missouri | 8:30, SECN

Massive Matchup for the Tigers, who are looking for a marquee win. However, Florida is playing very well right now. Winner leaves with a Q1 win tonight!

Boise State @ San Diego State | 10:00, CBSSN

Boise State will be in my bracket on Monday with a win, and likely above the play-in games. San Diego State is 2-0 in the MWC, but still treading water. They really need this one to get their season on a true upward trajectory.

Hawai’i @ UC San Diego | 10:00, ESPN+

The Mid-Major game of the day!! This is a massive matchup in the Big West, with the winner getting a huge leg up in the regular season. Hawaii is 3-0 and with a win would move to 4-0, UCSD just got upset and sits at 1-1. If the Tritons want to keep it close in the regular season race, they need to win this one!

Today promises to be a HUGE day of hoops! My next bracket will release on Monday AM! What’re your thoughts on today’s Slate? What’re you watching?

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